Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve 2010

 Twas the night before Christmas... Here are my beautiful little Christmas girls all dressed up for Christmas Eve Service.
 And of course, our strapping little lad!
 After a night of church and Grammy's for a family celebration, two tired girls set out milk and cookies and head to bed for those "visions of sugar plums".
 What's this?  Santa's been here!
 And the stockings are hung by the "chimney" with care...
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

28 weeks and blooming!





 I'm always looking my freshest and best in the morning when Travis isn't home to take my picture, so here's yet another attempt at self-photography.  This is my bare (gasp, shock) belly at 28 weeks.  This may be the last bare belly shot you get of me...ever, so enjoy!  I'm feeling pretty good these days, emphasis on the word "days".  Nights are getting a little rough with heartburn, hip pain, frequent bathroom trips and the feeling that I can't quite get enough air at times, which forces me to sit up, or dark trips to the kitchen for a snack.  But I've been with child enough to know how quickly these last two months will fly.  The very thought of that is a bit too much to comtemplate right now, so I'll save that for another post.  But I am thoroughly enjoying all the kicks and hickups and rolls little Autumn is entertaining me with throughout the day and relishing in this special time with her inside me.
I've also included our family picture for your viewing pleasure.  May your Christmas season be filled with reminders of God's great love for us.  And may that love inspire and fill you to pour your own life out to those in need of it.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Slowing Down

The house is silent as I type.  Chloe and Sawyer are napping, Emma is at school, Travis at work.  Dishes are begging to be done, two loads of laundry need folding, and of course the ever-present tiddying of clutter.  But I am soaking in the silence, beautiful solitude, so those things will have to wait for a moment.  It's been a busy, loud week.  Good things yes, but maybe as I grow older, simplicity and silence are becoming more appealing.  I'll just say it, I don't like to be too busy, I don't like the building stress of too much on my plate.  There is a simple life I long for in those times, a simple life of simple tasks, of basking in relationships with my children and husband, of making meals and cleaning house, quiet afternoons to think and pray and read.  Too much clutter in my life, just like too much clutter in my house creates stress and noise that cloud out what's most important, those simple things, those higher callings that need my time and effort and work.  Thank you Father for the simple and profound callings on my life, for giving me rest and silence after times of busyness, for helping me know that more is not always better.  Thank you for this moment of rest and reflection, and please give me the energy I need to accomplish the simple tasks of this day.  May I abide in you through every one of them.  Amen.